Things To Do

Birding

This region is known for many species of birds that make their home in Cache Valley or migrate through. Due to our unique geography you can see shorebirds and mountain species all within a 20-minute drive. Cache Valley is nestled between the Bear River and Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuges. Here, you’ll spot birds along the Bear River, directly west of Logan. In spring and summer, Cutler Marsh offers viewing in classic wetland habitat. White Pelicans, White-Faced Ibis, Great Blue Herons, Egrets, Western Grebes, plus a variety of ducks, geese, and shorebirds may be seen from roadways or you can rent a canoe or kayak for a close-up experience. The number and diversity of marsh birds is spectacular. In early autumn, visit the north end of the Wellsville Mountain wilderness to watch the annual raptor migration. Northern harriers, kestrels, goshawks, red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, and other species float by, lifted by canyon updrafts that ease their relentless flight south.

A free birding brochure is available at Cache Valley Visitors Bureau, 199 North Main, Logan or can be downloaded by clicking Birding Trails.pdf

Skiing and Snowshoeing

Nothing beats cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on a crisp winter day in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest or at Sherwood Hills. There are routes for all levels of experience. You’re likely to see deer, elk, moose, snowshoe hare, cottontails, ermine, porcupines, and a variety of birds. Beginner areas are located in Sink Hollow, at the entrance of Beaver Mountain Ski Resort, and at Sunrise Campground on U.S. Hwy. 89, which overlooks Bear Lake and is near the Logan Canyon summit. A groomed track in Green Canyon offers excellent skiing just minutes from downtown Logan.

Logan Ranger District (435) 755-3620

Snowmobiling

Northern Utah is one of America’s favorite snowmobile playgrounds. Experience more than 300 miles of groomed trails through spectacular scenery with terrain that’s as challenging or easy as you want it to be. The Bridgerland snowmobile complex in the Wasatch-Cache National Forest includes Logan Canyon, Monte Cristo, and Hardware Ranch. Some trails extend into Idaho’s adjacent Caribou National Forest. Snowmobile maps are available at the Cache Valley Visitors Bureau, 199 N. Main St. in Logan.

The snowmobile season begins in December and often extends into April or May. The average annual snowfall in Logan Canyon is 400+ inches.

Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area

A visit to Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area is both fun and educational. During winter months, a trip to the ranch makes a great outing for the whole family with the memorable experience of viewing up to 700 wild Rocky Mountain elk. A horse drawn sleigh gives you up close and personal views as it takes you right into the middle of the herd. The area is also an extremely popular snowmobiling area.

During the summer, Hardware Ranch area provides great opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing. An extensive network of ATV trails will take you north all the way to Logan Canyon, Bear Lake, and southeast Idaho. Head south and explore the Monte Cristo area all the way to Ogden Valley.

15 miles east of Hyrum on U.S. Hwy 101 in Blacksmith Fork Canyon, Hyrum(435) 753-6206